35 Vintage Holiday Recipes for a Classic Christmas Meal Gallery

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During the holidays, tradition tends to dictate an awful lot. From decorations and holiday cookies to the dinner menu, everyone loves the sense of familiarity that comes with tradition. Of course, there's always room for new holiday festivities, but that's not to say that they can be filled with the same nostalgia for time gone by.

Like most things, recipes come and go, and what's trendy and in vogue one year might be totally off-limits a year, two years or even a decade later. That's not to say that some retro dishes aren't well worth making. After all there's more to vintage recipes than aspic, banana garnishes and mayonnaise, right?

From roasted goose and beef Wellington to trifle, spoonbread and oysters Rockefeller, these recipes aren't necessarily unheard of, but are certainly old-timey recipes that are perfect for a classic Christmas meal.

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Apple Strudel

Add some alpine comfort to the dessert table this holiday with a classic apple strudel and a generous dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

For the Apple Strudel recipe, click here.

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Beef Wellington

Beef Wellington is a showstopper of a dish, and what better time to show off your culinary chops than on Christmas day! This dish looks impressive, makes for a great centerpiece and is actually easier to make than you might think.

For the Beef Wellington recipe, click here.

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Christmas Goose

Lots of people enjoy a tasty roasted turkey on Christmas day, but if you're looking for something a little bit different, why not try this roast goose with apples?

For the Christmas Goose recipe, click here.

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Creamed Spinach With Nutmeg

For a festively green side dish that's totally delicious, opt for this creamed spinach recipe. It's easy to make, and the pinch of nutmeg adds a wonderful subtle flavor.

For the Creamed Spinach With Nutmeg recipe, click here.

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Garam Masala Fruitcake

Fruitcake is one of many ubiquitous holiday sweets, but unlike Christmas cookies and pies, if is more often the butt of jokes rather than the star upon anyone's plate. Change that this year with this unusual riff on a holiday classic. Garam masala adds complexity to an often maligned Christmas recipe.

For the Garam Masala Fruitcake recipe, click here.

Debra Rajpal

Mini Ginger-Molasses Cream Pies

Cream pies in any form are delightfully retro. These mini ginger-molasses cream pies, with their festive flavors, are perfect for Christmas or any other winter holiday.

For the Mini Ginger-Molasses Cream Pie recipe, click here.

Tiffany MacIssac

Pumpkin Seed Brittle

Peanut brittle has been around forever. This version, with pumpkin seeds in place of peanuts, is equally delightful and the perfect accompaniment to coffee after an indulgent holiday meal.

For the Pumpkin Seed Brittle recipe, click here.

Roaring Fork

Baked Brie With Apple Cranberry Relish

Nothing beats a plate of bubbling melted cheese, right? Complete with tart apples, sweet dried cranberries and nutty pecans, this baked brie is easy to prepare and makes for a stunning appetizer.

For the Baked Brie With Apple Cranberry Relish recipe, click here.

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Blue Crab Deviled Eggs

Fresh blue crab may be hard to find in December, but any lump crab will do in this fun and delicious take on deviled eggs.

For the Blue Crab Deviled Eggs recipe, click here.

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Christmas Bûche de Noël Cake

The Bûche de Noël or Yule log cake is a festive and classic holiday treat to prepare for Christmas.

For the Christmas Bûche de Noël Cake recipe, click here.

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Coca-Cola Glazed Ham

Try this alternative to honey-baked ham that uses this ubiquitous soft drink that balances sweetness with acidity. Ham is a classic choice to serve during the holidays, so definitely try this recipe!

For the Coca-Cola Glazed Ham recipe, click here.

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Coconut Cream Pie With Coconut Meringue

This classic coconut cream pie is made with coconut milk for extra creaminess and more coconut flavor. It's a dairy-free dessert that everyone will want to eat!

For the Coconut Cream Pie With Coconut Meringue recipe, click here.

American Egg Board

Corn Spoon Bread With Creme Fraiche and Chives

Make a double batch of this gooey cornbread - it's that delicious. If you don't have creme fraiche on hand for serving, you could use sour cream or plain Greek yogurt instead.

For the Corn Spoon Bread With Creme Fraiche and Chives recipe, click here.

Root & Bone

Duck Fat Potatoes With Parsley and Lemon

There's nothing better than cooking potatoes in duck fat! Be sure to strain and save any rendered fat the next time you cook duck, or alternatively you can buy duck fat in the store.

For the Duck Fat Potatoes With Parsley and Lemon recipe, click here.

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Easy Cheese Ball

This unique cheese ball will be the highlight of any party. Accompany this spread with crackers, pita bread, or sliced apples and pears.

For the Easy Cheese Ball recipe, click here.

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Gingerbread Trifle With Sugar Candies Recipe

Trifle is a Christmastime staple and this one, made with fresh gingerbread and Chambord, is full of festive flavors.

For the Gingerbread Trifle With Sugar Candies recipe, click here.

Mark Addison

Green Bean Casserole

If you're sick of your regular side of green beans, this casserole is sure to jazz up any holiday spread. You can premake the shallots the day before to save a little time on the day!

For the Green Bean Casserole recipe, click here.

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Herbed Oyster Stuffing

Oyster stuffing is a holiday classic that's good any time of year. Our easy-to-make version is so moist and flavorful that it may become a tradition at your table.

For the Herbed Oyster Stuffing recipe, click here.

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Instant Pot Chicken Liver Pate

Slather a nice thick layer of this pate onto a piece of sourdough toast and you've got the perfect appetizer packed with flavor.

For the Instant Pot Chicken Liver Pate recipe, click here.

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Kentucky Hot Cocoa

Hot chocolate is a classic that never goes out of style. This recipe adds a touch of spice, which complements the chocolate perfectly.

For the Kentucky Hot Cocoa recipe, click here.

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Kir Royale

Bring on the bubbly fun with this classic and refreshing cocktail. Guests will love pairing this drink with any number of the potential dishes you could serve at your brunch, especially the sweeter ones!

For the Kir Royale recipe, click here.

QVC

Lemon and Tangerine Glazed Carrots

Glazed carrots are an easy, classic side dish that is perfect for the holidays. This recipe adds citrus peel for a lovely hint of zing that makes these carrots irresistible.

For the Lemon and Tangerine Glazed Carrots recipe, click here.

Shutterstock

Mandarin Spice Mulled Wine

Rich brandy and citrusy juices from mandarin oranges help to give a bold twist to this traditional cold-weather drink.

For the Mandarin Spice Mulled Wine recipe, click here.

Urban Accents

Michel Roux Jr.'s Christmas Pudding

What is Christmas without Christmas pudding? Whether you love it or hate it, you can't argue that this steamed fruity dessert is a holiday table essential if you are adhering to tradition!

For the Michel Roux Jr.'s Christmas Pudding recipe, click here.

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Orange and Almond Choc-Truffle Squares

These rich and delicious chocolate squares are a fantastic after-dinner treat and are so easy to make - think chocolate truffles without all the hard work!

For the Orange and Almond Choc-Truffle Squares recipe, click here.

Natasha Milne

Oysters Rockefeller

Oysters Rockefeller are a truly classic appetizer. Serve this retro dish at your next party with some fresh craft beer for a truly happy hour.

For the Oysters Rockefeller recipe, click here.

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Rosemary-Lemon-Rubbed Turkey With Caramelized Onion and Garlic Gravy

A traditional roast turkey definitely belongs on the menu during the holidays and this recipe, with rosemary, sage and thyme, has all of the familiar flavors that one expects from this centerpiece dish.

For the Rosemary-Lemon-Rubbed Turkey With Caramelized Onion and Garlic Gravy recipe, click here.

Slimming World

Rosti Potatoes With Melted Leeks and Goat Cheese

Rosti potatoes are a very retro dish. This recipe is taken to the next level with a crunchy, golden hash brown crust that gives way to an interior that's melt-in-your-mouth tender. And who doesn't love a creamy goat cheese layer?

For the Rosti Potatoes With Melted Leeks and Goat Cheese recipe, click here.

Peapod

Hasselback Potatoes

This glorified baked potato has a fun and festive presentation that is sure to impress your guests and harken back to a time when even sides had to be showstoppers!

For the Hasselback Potatoes recipe, click here.

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Ruby Spice Punch

Honestly, what's a party without punch? This recipe uses the warming, intense flavors of tea, cloves, oranges and cinnamon to take this party staple to the next level!

For the Ruby Spice Punch recipe, click here.

Teavana

Savory Pepper Jelly Cheesecake

If you are looking for something with strong vintage vibes, this savory cheesecake with red pepper jelly is the way to go and is a great make-ahead appetizer that everyone will love.

For the Savory Pepper Jelly Cheesecake recipe, click here.

Gwen McKee

Skewered Swedish Meatballs

Make this classic party food into the perfect appetizer and holiday cocktail accompaniment by skewering them onto sticks! Who doesn't love an easy and delicious hors d'oeuvre?

For the Skewered Swedish Meatballs recipe, click here.

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Smoked Salmon Cheese Balls

Smoked salmon is delicious and everyone loves a good cheese ball. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and is great served with crackers, flatbread, or pita chips.

For the Smoked Salmon Cheese Balls recipe, click here.

Whole Foods Market

Spiked Eggnog

Forget the store-bought eggnog. This classic holiday drink is simple enough to make yourself. All you need are five cocktail bar staples and a snifter glass and - voila - eggnog!

For the Spiked Eggnog recipe, click here.

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Streusel Spice Cake

There's nothing like a slice of soul-warming spice cake during the holidays. This recipe happened to win the Pillsbury Bake-Off in '72, so it's a classic to boot, and is well worth making, along with every other winning recipe from the Pillsbury Bake-Off.